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Jeffrey Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein was an American financier who built a significant fortune and cultivated an extensive network of high-profile individuals, including politicians, celebrities, and royalty. He began his career at Bear Stearns before establishing his own investment firms, notably managing wealth for billionaires like Leslie Wexner. Despite his financial success and expertise in wealth management, his business dealings were often opaque. Epstein gained notoriety as a convicted sex offender, involved in the trafficking and abuse of underage girls. His high-profile connections and wealth facilitated his criminal enterprise, leading to his arrest on federal sex trafficking charges before his death in custody.

Leon Black, Chairman, CEO and Director of Apollo Global Management, speaks at a conference in Beverly Hills, California, in May 2018. Photo: Reuters

United States

US billionaire Leon Black defends US$158 million paid to Epstein

‘I knew Jekyll. I didn’t know Hyde,’ the investor – who features prominently in the Epstein files – told US lawmakers.

27 Jun 2026 - 2:21AM

Royalty

Norwegian crown princess’ son to be jailed 4 years for rape, domestic violence

15 Jun 2026 - 7:35PM

United States

Bill Gates says Epstein blackmailed him using knowledge of his affairs

11 Jun 2026 - 12:19PM

United States

Trump taps former personal lawyer as attorney general, teeing up Senate fight

Acting attorney general and former Trump defence lawyer Todd Blanche faces a rocky confirmation path over controversies.

9 Jun 2026 - 3:51PM

Todd Blanche: Donald Trump’s acting US attorney general. Photo: AP

Norway

Days before rape verdict, court grants release of Norway crown princess’ son

Facing 40 charges including rape, Marius Borg Hoiby wins a release order after pleading to see his ailing mother, but prosecutors appeal.

9 Jun 2026 - 11:27AM

Celebrity style

Explainer: What are babydoll dresses and why are they controversial?

Olivia Rodrigo’s recent makeover sees her join the likes of Sabrina Carpenter as a fan of the style – but her choice met fierce pushback from critics.

5 Jun 2026 - 2:03PMvideocam

Royalty

Auditors shine light on UK royal housing, disgraced Andrew’s ‘peppercorn rent’

National Audit Office offers the most ⁠detailed review ever of royal property arrangements in a new report.

5 Jun 2026 - 12:47PM

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor riding a horse in Windsor Great Park near Royal Lodge, an estate highlighted in a newly published property audit. Photo: Reuters

United States

Trump to nominate Todd Blanche as US attorney general

Blanche, 51, took over leadership of the Justice Department after Trump fired Pam Bondi in April.

4 Jun 2026 - 10:38PM

Britain

UK publishes new Mandelson files, raising heat on PM Starmer

Documents show vetting of Mandelson before his appointment as UK envoy to the US had warned of ‘reputational risks’ over his ties to Epstein.

2 Jun 2026 - 12:32AMvideocam

Sexual harassment and assault

Bondi refused to answer questions about Trump and Epstein files, Democrats say

She also pushed any blame for missteps with the release of files related to the late sex offender onto Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

30 May 2026 - 2:52AM

Former US attorney general Pam Bondi arrives on Capitol Hill on Friday. Photo: AP

Britain

Queen pushed for ex-prince Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy

Emails released earlier this year suggest ‌that Mountbatten-Windsor, while serving ‌as trade envoy, forwarded reports to Jeffrey Epstein.

21 May 2026 - 7:35PMvideocam

Queen Elizabeth (left) and former prince Andrew at Westminster Abbey in London in 2022. Photo: AFP

United States

Republican who stood up to Trump defeated in US primary

Trump-backed Republican challenger Ed Gallrein ousts incumbent Thomas Massie in the most expensive House primary in history.

20 May 2026 - 12:24PM

Crime

Around 10 ‘new’ victims emerge in France’s expanding Epstein probe

Authorities target French perpetrators who facilitated the late American sex offender’s crimes.

18 May 2026 - 11:34AM

Britain

UK’s Starmer under renewed pressure to quit as revolt grows

Home secretary and deputy PM reportedly join calls for a leadership transition as several aides resign.

12 May 2026 - 11:58AM

Britain

Ex-minister tells UK cabinet to boot Starmer or she’ll challenge him herself

Catherine West’s ultimatum comes amid calls for his resignation after Labour’s crushing defeat in local elections.

10 May 2026 - 3:39AM

Britain

Man arrested ‘with weapon’ near former prince Andrew’s home

Masked suspect allegedly confronted Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor during a walk, forcing him to flee with his private security.

8 May 2026 - 11:01AMvideocam

Sexual harassment and assault

Purported Epstein suicide note unsealed by US judge

A cellmate of Epstein reportedly found the note following the sex offender’s first alleged suicide attempt in July 2019.

7 May 2026 - 1:19PMvideocam

United States

Pulitzers honour damning coverage of Trump and his policies

The annual awards overseen by Columbia University recognised coverage of Trump’s immigration crackdown and his enrichment of his allies.

5 May 2026 - 6:20AM

The Pulitzer Prizes appear at Columbia University, May 28, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

King Charles III

King Charles wins praise for deft handling of Trump on US state visit

The British monarch delivered a diplomatic masterclass on the trip, mixing praise for his host with subtle criticism.

2 May 2026 - 1:56AMvideocam

Britain

UK PM Starmer avoids parliament probe over Epstein associate Peter Mandelson

The scandal over the controversial appointment of Mandelson as envoy to the US has plagued Starmer’s government for months.

29 Apr 2026 - 2:12AM

King Charles III

UK king begins historic US state visit shadowed by transatlantic tensions

The monarch’s four-day visit comes as relations remain strained between Donald Trump and the UK government.

28 Apr 2026 - 5:01PM

US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla to the White House. Photo: AFP

Britain

UK PM Starmer faces vote on possible probe over Mandelson

Starmer’s Labour Party has ‌a large majority in parliament and could vote down the launch of an inquiry.

27 Apr 2026 - 11:43PMvideocam

This handout photograph taken and released by the UK Parliament’s House of Commons on April 20, 2026 shows Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes a statement on the vetting procedure undertaken for the former UK ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, on April 20. Photo: AFP/House of Commons

King Charles III

King Charles’ state visit to US to go on as planned after shooting

King Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, are due to arrive on Monday for a four-day state visit.

27 Apr 2026 - 11:09AMvideocam

Donald Trump

Trump says King Charles’ visit could ‘absolutely’ repair US-UK ties

The monarch’s landmark visit comes as the Iran war, Epstein scandal and other issues test the US-UK alliance.

24 Apr 2026 - 3:19PM

Britain

UK PM insists he won’t resign over Mandelson scandal

Starmer’s remarks in parliament came as he faced fresh calls to step down over his admitted error of judgment in appointing Mandelson.

22 Apr 2026 - 9:31PMvideocam

Britain

Ex-official says he felt pressure from UK PM’s office to approve Mandelson

The statement by Olly Robbins, the foreign ministry’s ex-top official, comes as the Mandelson row continues to put pressure on Keir ⁠Starmer.

21 Apr 2026 - 7:13PM

Former Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office boss Olly Robbins appears before the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Houses of Parliament in London on Tuesday. Photo: AP

Britain

Starmer admits mistake appointing Epstein’s friend as ambassador as leadership teeters

UK prime minister, under pressure to resign by opponents, says officials did not tell him about Peter Mandelson’s failed vetting.

21 Apr 2026 - 2:58PM

Britain

Allies back Starmer as Mandelson saga leaves UK leader fighting for his job

The British PM will address Parliament to defend his job amid growing calls to resign over the Mandelson scandal.

20 Apr 2026 - 10:09AM

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